Sloppy billing leads to 30-day license suspension for Des Moines attorney

A Des Moines attorney will not be allowed to practice law for 30 days because of sloppy billing and accounting practices, according to an Iowa Supreme Court Attorney Disciplinary Board ruling filed Friday.

Matthew Boles, a partner with Parrish Kruidenier in Des Moines who practices criminal defense, personal injury and family law, withdrew unearned fees, didn't respond to client requests for accurate billings and failed to promptly refund unearned fees, according to the ruling. The record-keeping rules are essential to upholding public confidence in the justice system and provide transparency, the board stated.

In one case, Boles paid himself $13,261 more than he had earned by July 20, 2006 and didn't provide any notice or billing to the client, according to the ruling. He didn't issue a refund to the client until March 2008, 17 months after the court matter was concluded and more than five months after the client requested the refund.

Boles' trust account problems were not isolated, according to the ruling. The board showed “extensive problems” with four clients and similar accounting incidents. However, the board considered some mitigating factors when disciplining Boles.

Boles corrected his practices and has invested in new technology and employed administrative help, according to the ruling. There is no evidence that Boles has had any bookkeeping issues since 2008.

The board also considered Boles “admirable” record of volunteer community service to local youth programs and his extensive pro bono practice.